Times Free Press Will Launch New Health Column
The Chattanooga newspaper will introduce a weekly health feature by Dr. Darria Long Gillespie starting October 18, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Healthcare
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The Chattanooga Times Free Press will debut a new weekly health column featuring advice from Dr. Darria Long Gillespie on October 18, 2026. The initiative aligns with a renewed editorial commitment to local news coverage across the region.
Why it matters
The column represents a strategic shift for the publication as it pivots toward deeper local engagement. By prioritizing expert medical advice, the paper aims to better serve community interests in family health.
The columnist brings a following of 400,000 individuals across her social media channels to the new publication. Future content will cover health topics such as e-bike helmet efficacy, cold and flu season safety, and melatonin use.
The players
Dr. Darria Long Gillespie
She is an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine - Chattanooga and practices at Erlanger Baroness and Wellstar Kennestone.
Chattanooga Times Free Press
It is a local newspaper currently undergoing an editorial shift to emphasize coverage of family, faith, and football within the community.
The details
Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, an emergency medicine assistant professor, will curate the weekly content and address questions submitted by readers. The paper is reorienting its editorial focus toward family, faith, and football, with this column serving as a central component of its health coverage.
Timeline
The weekly health column begins publication on October 18, 2026.
Market Landscape
This move mirrors the industry-wide trend of local newspapers shifting toward hyper-local content coverage. The editorial change positions the outlet to compete for reader attention by focusing on community-centric topics rather than general wire content.
Local readers will gain access to direct expert medical advice tailored to their community needs. Residents will be able to engage with the health content by submitting specific medical questions to the newspaper via email.
The takeaway
Readers interested in participating can prepare their questions regarding seasonal health or safety trends for the column launch. Engaging with the new column provides a direct line to professional medical expertise within the Chattanooga area.
Further reading
Explore more local coverage at Chattanooga Healthcare.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Timesfreepress.
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Would you read a local newspaper health column to help manage your family's wellness concerns?
